Wasps suffer top four setback in Strathclyde Sirens defeat

There was an odd start to the game as Wasps had two bibs fall off in the early exchanges. Wasps gathered themselves and forced an early turnover, to take a 3-0 lead. Wasps kept their three-goal lead for the majority of the quarter, but Sirens didn’t let them pull ahead any further ahead. Niamh McCall sunk a buzzer beater right at the end of the quarter for Sirens to take Wasps lead down to 11-9 at the first break.

Wasps made one change at quarter time as Ella Powell-Davies came on for Lily-May Catling at Wing Defence. Wasps extended their lead with another early turnover at the start of the second quarter to make it a five-goal lead 14-9. Sirens refused to roll over and fought back to tie it back up at 17-17 late in the quarter. With Sirens coming back into it, Wasps made another change with Gezelle Allison coming on at Goal Attack for Katie Harris.

The change worked and Wasps soon got it back to a three-goal lead 20-17. Sirens came up with a second buzzer beater right at the end of the half, as Goal Shooter Emma Barrie took Wasps’ lead down to 22-19 midway through the game.

Wasps and Sirens continued to fight for everything at the start of the third quarter in what was a must win game for Wasps, with their play-off ambitions. Sirens fought back to make it 23-23, as Rachel Dunn missed a shot to turn the ball over for Wasps.

Sirens took the lead for the first time in the match midway through the third quarter 26-27. Wasps continued to turn the ball over with the pressure on and Sirens made the most of it extending their lead to 26-31. Changes were needed for Wasps and Catling and Harris came back on for Powell-Davies and Allison respectively.

One of Wasps’ players of the season so far Iona Christian then suffered a serious looking ankle injury, she was replaced by Leah Goss. The theme continued for Sirens with a third buzzer beater to end the quarter, taking Sirens’ lead to 28-34 three quarters of the way through.

Wasps got a much-needed turnover at the start of the fourth quarter to take the lead back to 30-34 but came up with a few crucial turnovers of their own to halt their momentum and allow Sirens to take it back to their three-quarter lead of six goals.

Wasps upped their game with Harris taking it on herself to shoot from range, taking it back to four goals, but again came up with mistakes at the wrong time. Sirens keeping them at bay with their six-goal cushion intact. Sirens eventually coming out deserved winners 39-44. The third quarter proving the difference between the sides.

Mizuno Player of the Match: Gia Abertnethy (Strathclyde Sirens).

Match report provided by Wasps.